Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

UN Chief Warns of Time Running Out for Iran-US Nuclear Deal
UN's Rafael Grossi warns that time is running out for Iran and the US to secure a nuclear deal, with crucial negotiations ongoing in Rome.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-17
UN Chief Warns of Time Running Out for Iran-US Nuclear Deal

As nuclear talks between Iran and the United States intensify, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has issued a stern warning that both sides are running out of time to reach an agreement. Grossi, on a visit to Tehran, stated that the ongoing negotiations are at a "crucial stage," highlighting the urgency of finding a diplomatic resolution.

Negotiations, which will resume in Rome this Saturday, mark the second round of Omani-mediated talks following a historic meeting between US and Iranian diplomats—the highest-level talks since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. Grossi emphasized that he was in Tehran to help facilitate this complex process, acknowledging the difficulty but underscoring the importance of success.

Earlier this week, Grossi met with Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who described the meeting as “useful” and reaffirmed that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could play a pivotal role in ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Grossi, for his part, stressed the indispensable role of the IAEA in providing credible assurances about Iran’s nuclear activities during this critical period.

In a notable statement to French newspaper Le Monde, Grossi warned that Iran is "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb. While Tehran has consistently denied any intentions to develop nuclear weapons, Western nations remain concerned about the country's nuclear ambitions. The latest IAEA report indicates that Iran has accumulated over 270 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, significantly exceeding the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 agreement. However, it still falls short of the 90% enrichment threshold required for a nuclear weapon.

Grossi’s visit comes amidst mounting pressure from both the US and international stakeholders. Iran’s top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been cautious about the prospects of successful talks, acknowledging that the negotiations might not yield results. Despite this, both countries have continued to engage diplomatically, with recent communications between US President Joe Biden and Iran’s interim leaders reaffirming their desire to pursue negotiations.

As tensions persist, Iran’s stance on uranium enrichment remains a central issue. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Araghchi made it clear that uranium enrichment is not negotiable, following calls from US officials for Iran to halt enrichment beyond the 3.67% limit. This issue, coupled with conflicting positions from both sides, is causing complications in the talks.

Iran’s diplomatic efforts continue as Foreign Minister Araghchi heads to Moscow for a pre-planned visit to strengthen ties with its ally, Russia, which has expressed its willingness to help mediate the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.

The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact global security and regional stability, with the international community closely monitoring the developments in the coming days.
Tagged:

USA

Iran

IAEA

NuclearDeal
Share News: